Children are particularly susceptible to flat warts. This viral condition spreads easily from person-to-person contact, and a child's immune system is still developing, making it easy for him to become infected. Flat warts normally appear as bumps on the face that are flat and skin-colored; you may also see them on the hands, chest or abdomen. Most flat warts will go away on their own, and treatment can be painful or cause scars. Treat the warts only if they become bothersome to your child.
Step 1
Apply duct tape to the infected region. While it's not entirely clear why this works so well, this low-cost remedy seems to work quickly. Leave the duct tape on for a few days, and the wart may disappear. Keep an eye on your child, though, as the adhesive may irritate a child's sensitive skin.
Step 2
Use a wart remover. Over-the-counter wart removers that include salicyclic acid dissolve the infected skin, causing the wart to disappear. Use the wart remover daily for best and speediest results, being careful to avoid touching the uninfected surrounding skin to avoid irritating it.
Step 3
Soak the wart in warm water or place a moist, warm compress on it. Then gently use a pumice stone to slough off any dead skin created by the remedies in steps 1 or 2.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid having the infected child share towels or washcloths with other children to avoid spreading the virus.
- If your child's flat warts are on her face, work with a dermatologist to have them removed to avoid scarring. Consult a health professional if the warts spread rapidly or if they don't respond to these treatments.
Things You'll Need
- Duct tape
- Pumice stone
